Kerins O’Rahillys GAA Club News

Seniors:

It took a last minute point blank save from Shane Foley to ensure the points stayed in Strand Road, but in truth it should never have come to this as we had many opportunities to put this game beyond the reach of Ballymac but some poor decision making, turnovers and stout hearted defending from our opponents meant this game was in the melting pot right to the finish.

Ballymac played with the strong wind in the first half and made full use of the elements to race into a four point lead before we had our opening score, a goal from Seán Walsh in the 10th minute; the goal came when Seán gathered the kick out, parted to Tommy and taking the return he rattled the net for a capital score.

Prior to this both Conor Hayes and Shane McElligott had seen shots come back off the posts and Diarmuid O’Sullivan was wide from play.

We dominated proceedings from here to half time, being well in control around the middle third through David, Diarmuid & Tom Hoare and with Conor Hayes and Darragh O’Connor both razor sharp up front, sharing seven points between them with only one coming from a dead ball – this left us in the lead at half time, 1-07 to 0-07 points with the wind to come in the second half. Our defence too was resilient with all defending well and not conceding frees.

The second half continued in a similar vein to the first as we again dominated possession and with Diarmuid kicking two long range frees we were 5 to the good, 1-09 to 0-07; Ballymac rallied and had two points of their own, we replied in kind, but Ballymac followed that with a goal in the 19th minute to leave just two points between the sides again.

Our response was swift and when Tommy batted a ball down in the direction of Darragh O’Connor, he did not hesitate before rifling a low shot to the corner of the net – again we were 5 clear but Ballymac were beginning to get a second wind and raised two white flags as the clock ticked down – we were in the 32nd minute when it looked like our defence was to be breached for a second time but Shane Foley was equal to the shot and the ball was cleared.,

This was a good and sporting game and in the final analysis we deserved the win – at times we played some delightful football, our kick passing opening up the defence creating openings for both Darragh and Conor – (they scored 1-09 between them, 1-08 from play) whilst blooding some younger players such as Stephen Nix, Seán Collins, Jake Foley, Daniel Bowler and Conor O’Sullivan.

Tonight saw Karl Mullins play his final senior game as he heads to Australia tomorrow – we are sad to see him go and hope that he will return in the not too distant future and play for his beloved Strand Road again. Bon Voyage Karl.

Our next game is on Saturday night 8th April ( throw in @ 18.45) away to Milltown/Castlemaine who themselves had a one point win over Desmonds on Sunday and whose B team were victorious in Strand Road also on Sunday in Division 6.

Scorers: Darragh O’Connor (1-05, 1f), Conor Hayes ( 0-04), Seán Walsh ( 1-0), Diarmuid O’Sullivan ( 0-02, 2fs), Barry John Keane ( 0-01).

Team: Shane Foley, Jake Foley, Darragh McElligott, Stephen Nix, Shane McElligott, Karl Mullins, Chucky, David Moran, Diarmuid O’Sullivan, Tom Hoare, Barry John Keane, Seán Walsh, Conor Hayes, Tommy Walsh, Darragh O’Connor.

Subs used: Daniel Bowler, Seán Collins, Jack Savage, & Conor O’Sullivan.

Division 6:

Our B team took on Milltown/Castlemaine B in Strand Road on Sunday morning in round 2 of the county league. It was an opportunity for some senior fringe players such as Seán Collins, Gearóid Dillane  and Daniel Bowler to get some game time under their belts and after a dominant first half display we led by 2-05 to 0-03 at half time with goals from Ben O’Brien and Jordan Foley and points from Gearóid Dillane (2), Ben O’Brien, Gavin Burrows & Shane Flavin.

The 2nd half however saw a complete capitulation as Milltown took over in almost every sector and outscored us 3-05 to 0-02 to run out deserving winners by four points – it was a disappointing second half and an injury early in the game to Daniel Bowler only compounded the misery.

Team ( 13 a side): Rob O’Connor, Barry Foley, Sam Pituch, Aidan Mangan, Jordan Foley, Seán Collins, Ben O’Brien, Fenton Collins, Daniel Bowler, Cormac Gallagher,  Shane Flavin, Keelan Crowe, Gearóid Dillane.

Subs used: Gavin Burrows, Seán Collins ( GK), DJ Hanafin & Seán Griffin.

Rock St PO Club Lotto Competition: 

Friday last 31st March was the final day of the above competition and when the tokens were counted on Sat afternoon, we as a club had accumulated the most, earning the exclusive rights to sell our lotto tickets in Rock St PO for the next 3 years.

We are delighted to have secured this arrangement in conjunction with Martin and Marie Williams as this outlet provides a lucrative source of sales and contributes to the day to day running of the club.

We would like to thank all our supporters who used the services of the PO in the past 3 months and would especially wish to acknowledge the part played by Paula & Caitriona O’Sullivan and also Trish Molloy Moran who ensured we pushed this initiative on a weekly basis.

Augusta Masters Challenge:

The Masters Challenge, now in its 11th year is up and running again this year with tickets available from all club members and online via Clubforce – there are posters in the Klub bar, The Mall Tavern, Benners Hotel  and other outlets and  if you wish to play online you can log on to our website, www.kerinsorahillys.com and play from there by scanning the QR Code – all payments are fully encrypted for your safety and security.

The Masters is a key pillar of our fundraising  and if you have yet to play, please remember the cut off time is 18.00 on Weds next 5th April. The leaderboard will be published on social media channels  daily as the drama unfolds and will finish on Sunday night 9th.

Juvenile Notes:

Last Sunday we welcomed over 120 children to our Academy which took place in Tralee Sports Complex due to pitch conditions. It was great to see so many boys and girls in attendance and all having a great time with their coaches. Well done to everyone for another successful morning.

U5 Boys – these boys are shown by their coaches all their skills and that they are playing at home as well. They enjoyed fun games on Sunday morning in the glorious sunshine. Well done to each and everyone of them for the massive effort they put into it. See you all again next week.

U6 Girls – Fantastic session with the U6 girls Sunday morning. Great numbers again this week and a massive welcome to our new girl Hannah. Our skills are really improving and our homework for this week is catching and soloing, see ye all next week again for another great session.

U7 Boys – We had another great turn out on Sunday morning, In what was a glorious sunny morning the boys showed great enthusiasm in completing their drills and skills, this was put into practice when we finished the session with fun games. The boys are improving steadily and were encouraged by their coaches to practice the basics during the week.

U8 & U10 Girls – Great session on Sunday morning in the sunshine. We had 31 girls in attendance between U8s and U10s. They worked on hand passing, soloing and kick passing and played a few different fun games. Huge improvement already in the few weeks. Keep up the good work girls and keep practicing at home.

U9 Boys – had an excellent session in brilliant sunshine Sunday Morning. Best turnout this year so far and we worked on tackling with the near hand, 1 v 1s, aswell as hopping, handpassing and kicking. Keep up the practice at home this week and we’ll see you all next Sunday.

U11 Boys – Training continued Sunday morning in a very sunny Tralee sports complex. The boys showed great skills and enthusiasm throughout the session. Coaches asked players to continue to practice their skills at home during the week and keep an eye on Club zap for upcoming training and games.

U13 Boys – KOR U13′ B team were away to a very strong Dingle side with only 1 team in the County League and proved too strong for our younger Blues in Pairc An Àghsaig even with a spirited 2nd half we came out with a loss 5-16 to 2-09. Each of our boys gave everything they had and showed great effort and fought till the end. The boys were delighted to meet Kerry Player Tom O’Sullivan afterwards.

We look forward to seeing everyone for academy training again in Tralee Sports Complex next Sunday 9th April. We hope everyone can make it as the coaches may have a few surprises in store. Please make sure you are assigned to your child’s age group on ClubZap, if you are not please message us on Clubzap.

We would like to thank our main Sponsor Ballyseedy Home and Garden Centre for their continued support. Please ensure you have paid your membership through clubzap. We have posted a short video on our Facebook and Instagram account to assist you in downloading the app and paying membership. We will be using clubzap for all communication regarding your child’s group.

Notai na mBan:

Easter is a time to celebrate the start of Springtime, enjoy the longer evenings and enjoy family time. It really is a wonderful time of year. We can also look forward to those bright evenings when we parents will  meet at training and games .GAA brings everyone together.

There will be no club ladies fixtures on Easter Sunday to allow everyone to chill out with family.

Have a happy Easter everyone and enjoy the holidays.

U12s

We are absolutely delighted to let you know that matches will be commencing on Wednesday, April 18th. Fixtures TBC. This is the North Kerry League and it will determine what division we will be in for the county league.

Looking forward to seeing everyone next Saturday for some eggciting fun. Venue TBC during the week.

U14s

Our next fixture in the NCP league will be on April 23rd ( TBC) against Ballymac . In the meantime we will be playing our back games against Na Gaeil and Kilcummin ( these will be confirmed as soon as pitches are playable and available).

Congrats to Allie, Aoife and Lily who togged out for Kerry last Saturday in the Munster Festival of football in Mallow. Their team won four of their five games and are now through to the final at the end of the month.

U16 GIRLS

The excitement is building as these ladies can’t contain themselves ahead of round 1 of their first fixture for 2023. They have been looking forward to competitive football since they commenced training this year.

They are away to Corca Dhuibhne with throw in at 6.45p.m. in the new pitch in Gallarus.

Wishing the team and Mike and Dan who are making their debut as U16 ladies management the very best on Wednesday. Céirín Ó Rathaille abú!

U16 Kerry v Tipp

The U16A team were beaten by a point and the U16B team drew .

Well done to everyone and great to see Aoibheann, Kelly and Saoirse representing their county.

MINORS

After a chat with the players and a good  warm up the girls enjoyed doing their drills and showed great levels of energy and performance during a match situation.

An impressive turnout and great camaraderie. Well done to everyone!

Round 1 of the county league commences on Wednesday, April 12th when we host Kilcummin, more details to follow nearer the time.

Well done to Gráinne Diggin and her teammates who continued their minor Kerry Camogie championship journey last Sunday when they defeated Armagh in Banagher GAA grounds. Final score 0-13 to 0-06.

SENIOR LADIES

A great attitude and terrific teamwork during a fun filled session last weekend. Some great talent on show and great commitment from those in college. Thank you!

In round 2 of the Donal Curtin Cup we host Beale on April 16th TBC.

TRAINING

All teams are hoping to commence training in Ballyrickard weather permitting this week or next week.

A lot of training has been done over the past few weeks on the AstroTurf in diabolical weather conditions. Great credit is due to the players, their coaches and parents for their dedication.

Due to the horrible weather, the state of pitches everywhere is a major concern. It’s imperative that we mind our pitches , they belong to you and we want them to be available for the remainder of our competitive fixtures as matches will be coming thick and fast from now on..

Messages will be sent keeping everyone up to date.

REGISTRATION

Thank you to all who have paid their registration fees to date.

BEST WISHES

Best wishes to all students who are doing their oral exams during the week. Go néirí an t-ádh libh!

CONGRATS

Congrats to Scoil Eoin, Balloonagh ladies last Thursday who for the first time ever won Cumann Na mBunscol county mini sevens. A great achievement !  Well done to all involved and delighted to see Kerins O’ Rahillys Allie Kerins and Lexi Keane togging out.

Final Score

Scoil Eoin 5-02

Spa 1-07

MERCY MOUNTHAWK

Well done to Mounthawk’s senior ladies team who despite not winning the All Ireland B final last Thursday in Nenagh v Mercy Roscommon gave us with daughters a day to remember.

The achievement in reaching this final is a testament to the importance of extra curricular activities in schools to providing students with opportunities for holistic development. As with our own club we must remember how coaches generously give their time and also the unwavering commitment of girls who show great pride in their school and clubs.

The excitement and anticipation were palpable and there was great support from our community. Those who couldn’t travel watched on Facebook and YouTube. It was terrific to see our ladies Aoibhín, Katie, Keelan ,Kelly and Lily on the panel.

Well done to everyone involved, the future for ladies football looks very bright indeed.

CONDOLENCES

Our condolences to the families and friends of John ‘Oz’ Connolly, Nora Leahy ( née Ashe), Nora ( Noreen) Moriarty ( née O’ Donnell), Gerard Nammock and Catherine Carmody (née O’ Shea). May their gentle souls rest in peace.

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